Philip Palmer’s Like a Brother to be on BBC Radio 4’s Secrets and Lies

Paul lives a quiet, tightly controlled life, dividing his time between the gym and his local pub. A former boxer, he keeps his distance from the world. Then he meets Duncan.

Charismatic, reckless and impossible to ignore, Duncan draws Paul into an unlikely friendship that begins to change everything.

As their bond deepens, Paul finds himself pulled towards excitement, risk and a sense of belonging he thought he’d lost. But beneath the humour and warmth of their connection lies a growing unease, as trust is tested and lines begin to blur. Told through shifting perspectives, Like A Brother is a tense psychological crime drama about friendship, loyalty and the danger of letting the wrong person too close.

To be broadcast: 15:00-16:00, Sat 28 Feb 2026

Written by Philip Palmer and directed by Tracey Neale

Posted on February 24, 2026